As part of Baxi’s commitment to building respectful workplaces, they have taken decisive steps to prevent sexual harassment and create a safer environment for all employees.
Policy Updates and Zero-Tolerance Commitment
Baxi reviewed and strengthened its bullying and harassment policy, explicitly covering external work events and categorising sexual harassment as gross misconduct. A “Safe Working Environment” statement was published on the company website, affirming zero tolerance for discrimination and giving employees the right to end interactions with customers who behave inappropriately.
Charlotte Lloyd, Senior HR Business Partner at Baxi, explained: “We wanted to make it absolutely clear that harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Our policies now reflect that commitment, and we’ve empowered colleagues to remove themselves from situations where they feel unsafe.”
Training and Awareness
To embed these changes, Baxi rolled out mandatory online training for managers and people leaders, alongside in-person sessions for field engineers. These sessions covered legislation, definitions, real-world examples, and disclosure processes. Discussions during training led to additional customer service guidance on handling difficult conversations with clients.
Charlotte added: “Training isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating understanding. When our engineers raised concerns about customer behaviour, we acted quickly to provide extra support and guidance.”
Supporting Managers and Measuring Impact
A comprehensive guidance pack was developed to help managers respond sensitively to disclosures and conduct investigations correctly, drawing on ACAS and EHRC best practice. Training effectiveness is tracked through online assessments and attendance records, while engagement surveys show rising inclusion scores—an encouraging sign that employees feel safer and more supported.
Charlotte noted: “It’s hard to measure success directly, but our engagement scores and the fact that people feel confident to speak up tell us we’re moving in the right direction.”
Looking Ahead
Baxi’s proactive approach demonstrates how clear policies, practical training, and open communication can drive cultural change. Annual refresher training and ongoing reviews will ensure these measures remain effective and aligned with evolving legislation.
Call to Action
Sexual harassment has no place in construction—or any workplace. We encourage all organisations to review their policies, invest in meaningful training, and create safe channels for reporting. Together, we can build a culture of respect and inclusion across the industry.
